The Neutral Switch sits at the low point of the gearbox. The switch can end up with sludge / water/ condensation around it, which will stop / slow it from functioning. Time for a gearbox oil change after a good fast run. Or to pull the switch out & replace it.

The bike has a lock out function to stop you starting it in gear. Just pull the clutch in to start it if the neutral light doesn't show.

Get the wires off the neutral switch with long nose pliers, and jump them together with wire and alligator clips, or something fabricated. Turn on the key, if you get your green light it's the neutral switch gone bad. Don't be a moron like me and try to jump the wires with a test light. That won't work. Keeping the wires jumped will get you a green light all the time.

I have an 89 only starts in netural with the light on - will not start in gear with clutch lever pulled in. I thought this was a BMW by design feature. Are other's able to start their GS's in gear with clutch lever pulled in???? I may have a bad switch at the handlebar / clutch lever. Let hear from others.

I have an 89 only starts in netural with the light on - will not start in gear with clutch lever pulled in. I thought this was a BMW by design feature. Are other's able to start their GS's in gear with clutch lever pulled in???? I may have a bad switch at the handlebar / clutch lever. Let hear from others.

I have an 89 only starts in netural with the light on - will not start in gear with clutch lever pulled in. I thought this was a BMW by design feature. Are other's able to start their GS's in gear with clutch lever pulled in???? I may have a bad switch at the handlebar / clutch lever. Let hear from others.

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Your clutch switch may not be working. I have a 78 so it is possible mine is different, but I don't think so. Also, I believe there is diode either in the headlight shell or near the starter relay too. I BELIEVE this keeps the clutch switch from back-feeding the neutral light or some-such, but will break the system if it goes bad.

In short, I think your problem is fixable and worth investigating. It is a bummer to stall at a light, or climbing up out of a creek bed and have to shift instead of just pressing the button and getting back going.